Here in Phoenix, the water is super hard. After 2 years of use, I checked my filter and it was really clogged with mineral deposits, like plaque... I ordered this part to replace it. I took the old filter and soaked it in vinegar for about an hour and then started to pluck off and scrub off the plaque. Got it cleaned up about 90%. This is a good way to clean in hard water but I needed something right away and I'll swap them out from now on as I clean one and use the other. Dishes appear to be coming out cleaner as well. (PS: Love my Bosch! )